Travel
Roaming — read the operator, not a cached list.
Roaming extras change faster than coverage maps. Frome Fonez will not quote a stale “free in the EU” line. Open the network you already like — or buy a travel eSIM such as Ubigi — and read this year’s terms.
Pick the host that works at home first. A cheap SIM that dies in France is still a bad travel SIM. Then check that brand’s current roaming page — EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and the bigger MVNOs all publish one.
If you only travel once a year, a short add-on on your home network is usually cleaner than switching brands for a fortnight. If you hop countries, or your home roam add-on is steep, a travel eSIM is the other door.
Travel eSIMs — data abroad, keep your UK number
These are not Frome home networks. Install a second line, leave EE or giffgaff in the other slot.
Airalo
About AiraloHolafly
About HolaflyNomad
About NomadSaily
About SailyGigSky
About GigSkyMaya Mobile
About MayaFirsty
About FirstyBefore you buy a travel eSIM
The same rules every time.
Do I still need my UK SIM?
Yes, if you want to keep your number, bank texts and iMessage. Use dual-SIM: UK line for the number, travel eSIM for data.
Will it work on my phone?
The handset must be unlocked and eSIM-capable. A locked EE or O2 phone will refuse a Ubigi or Airalo profile.
Is this the same as Lebara or Lycamobile?
No. Those are UK SIMs with cheap international calling. Travel eSIMs are data packs you turn on abroad.